And while the transparency of sponsors influencing what happens can be lacking, it is also a way that public opinion can have an impact. The two men are contracted to Ulster Rugby until next May and are paid by the IRFU. Ulster Rugby has a main sponsor, Kingspan, and also a kit sponsor, three shirt sponsors , 13 official sponsors, 10 domestic sponsors and 16 official partners. In total they provided £2.5 million of Ulster Rugby’s total income of £9.8 million last year. In the Australian controversy, the owners of Weet-bix, while dropping player sponsorship, is continuing its sponsorship of the national organisation.

Source: The Irish Times March 31, 2018 03:56 UTC